Head coach Keith McCambridge made the announcement this morning and, in addition, named Jason King and Dean Arsene as the assistant captains.

The naming of Jaffray as captain is about more than just having the third letter of the alphabet stitched on his jersey, though. It’s about perseverance and dedication, among many things. And in Jaffray’s case, consider this: the Albert native suffered a major injury in late March after being checked from behind into the boards, needed spinal-fusion surgery and six months to rehabilitate before being able to return to the ice.

Now 31, Jaffray scored 17 goals and added 21 assists in 47 games last year while also suiting up for 13 games with the parent club, the Winnipeg Jets.

King is a Corner Brook native and former Manitoba Moose star who led the IceCaps in scoring with 22 goals last season while Arsene is a free-agent addition who has already captained three AHL clubs, including last year’s Portland Pirates.

Interestingly, four ex-Moose players have been named AHL captains in the last two days: Jaffray in St. John’s, Alexandre Bolduc in Portland, Josh Green of the Oklahoma City Barons and Mx Fortunus of the Texas Stars.

The IceCaps open the 2012-13 season Saturday in Springfield against the Falcons and then face the Connecticut Whale in Hartford Sunday afternoon. Their home opener is Oct. 19th, when they meet the Adirondack Phantoms.

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